20061216 All I want for Christmas are Potato or Cheese Latkes

All I want for Christmas are Potato or Cheese Latkes

December 16th, 2006 - - posted December 17th, 2006

Alright, I’ll take a couple of

cheese blintzes.

Then again, what I really want is steak and eggs and grits – but don’t tell my primary care physician, he would disapprove… Whatever.

Okay. Okay - - What I really really really want - - is a hippopotamus for Christmas.[1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xjjlUbpJ4


"Dayhoff’s" Potato Latkes[2]

4 large potatoes
1 medium onion
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Matzo meal, corn meal, or flour
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
sour cream, and/or sugar

Peel potatoes and onion and grate in long strips.
Mix potato and onion with egg, meal, and salt.
Add some diced jalepeño peppers to the batter

Heat oil in a 10" pan over medium heat until it is quite hot. Drop 1-2 tablespoons of the potato mixture onto the pan per pancake. Turn once to allow both sides to fry.

Serve with sour cream, and/or sugar as a topping.

"Dayhoff’s" Cheese Latkes[3]

3 eggs 1 cup milk 1 cup cottage cheese, drained 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 Tbsps. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup oil for frying

Heat 1/2 cup oil in a skillet. Using a large spoon, drop the batter into hot oil. Fry 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Continue until batter is used up, adding oil when necessary.

The latkes may be served topped with sour cream, applesauce, or maple syrup.

Adding some of Stephanie Dray’s spiced walnuts is optional.

I’ll be more than happy to share them with Bruce and David.

####

[1] I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Words and music by John Rox

performed by Gayla Peevey (1953)

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
Don't want a doll, no dinky Tinker Toy
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
I don't think Santa Claus will mind, do you?
He won't have to use our dirty chimney flue
Just bring him through the front door,
that's the easy thing to do

I can see me now on Christmas morning
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses
I only like hippopotamuses
And hippopotamuses like me too

Mom says the hippo would eat me up, but then
Teacher says a hippo is a vegeterian

There's lots of room for him in our two-car garage
I'd feed him there and wash him there and give him his massage

I can see me now on Christmas morning,
creeping down the stairs
Oh what joy and what surprise
when I open up my eyes
to see a hippo hero standing there

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas
Only a hippopotamus will do
No crocodiles or rhinoceroseses
I only like hippopotamuseses
And hippopotamuses like me too!

[2] Oh for pity sake, of course it isn’t my original recipe. I haven’t a clue as to where I got them. Go away while I’m eating or I’ll send Judah Maccabee after you. If either recipe is yours, e-mail me and I’ll give ya credit. All I wanna do is eat latkes.

[3] See footnote number 2, although this recipe was excerpted from Spice and Spirit, The Complete Kosher Jewish Cookbook, published by Lubavitch Women's Cookbook Publications

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

December 17, 2007

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb (D) gives a thumbs up sign to supporters as he arrives at Bailey's Elementary School to vote. (Alex Wong -- Getty Images)

View More Photos»

New Faces

James H. Webb Jr. (D)

James Webb (D) defeated incumbent Sen. George Allen (R) by 9,329 votes.

Remark By Webb Arouses Passions: Exchange With Bush Further Polarizes Supporters, Critics (Post, December 2, 2006, Page B01)

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits (Post, November 29, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Makes It Official: Victory Is Webb's: Tally Shows Allen Lost by 9,329 Votes (Post, November 28, 2006, Page B01)

Lieberman a Wild Card in Iraq Policy: Senator Says Bipartisan Effort Is Needed for a Successful End (Post, November 13, 2006, Page A04)

Webb May Be Senate Maverick: Newest Member Expected to Take Antiwar Lead (Post, November 12, 2006, Page C01)

Democrats Take Control of Senate As Allen Concedes to Webb in Va.: Victor Vows New Approach To Iraq War (Post, November 10, 2006, Page A01)

VIRGINIA: Webb's Small Lead Holding Up As 'Senator-Elect' Starts Staffing (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A01)

For 3rd Candidate, a Moral Victory: No Way to Know How Gail Parker Affected High-Stakes Election (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A50)

Virginia Senate Race Too Close to Call: Webb Has Slim Lead but Allen Will Wait for Official Tally (Post, November 8, 2006; 12:42 PM)

VIRGINIA: Webb Has a Slim Edge Over Allen, But Recount Likely (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A01)

WHAT'S NEXT: 2 Camps Prepare for Numbers Battle (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A45)

U.S. SENATE RACE: High-Wattage Politicians Help Allen, Webb Wrap Up (Post, November 7, 2006, Page B02)

Webb: Democrats Will Take Back House, Senate (Post, November 6, 2006; 3:52 PM)

Allen and Webb Head For a Frenzied Finish: Candidates Make Last Dash to Woo Voters (Post, November 5, 2006, Page C08)

Allen and Webb Scramble To Break Voter Traditions: Military, Black Voters May Swap Loyalties (Post, November 4, 2006, Page B01)

Vitriol Fills the Air and Airwaves as Allen and Webb Battle On: Amid the Fray, Both Sides Eye Possibility of Recount (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B02)

Webb's Wife Steps Into Onstage Role, Denouncing Criticism of Va. Candidate: Hong Le Webb Denounces Criticism of Va. Candidate (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B05)

Webb and Allen Hit the Issues: With Help From Their Elders, Candidates Stay on Topic (Post, November 2, 2006, Page B05)

Vote on Senate Nears After Tumultuous Campaign: Controversies Bury the Issues In Final Months (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA20)

Gazing Deep Into the Campaign Crystal Ball (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA23)

Allen, Webb Camps Shift Focus to Turnout: Strategies Aim to Ensure Their Backers Vote (Post, October 31, 2006, Page B05)

On Transportation, Allen and Webb Share Views: Va. Senate Candidates Seek Metro Extension, Easing of Toll Road Construction (Post, October 30, 2006, Page B01)

Webb Defends Novels Against Attacks: Allen Has Crossed a 'Line That Should Never Be Crossed,' Candidate Says (Post, October 29, 2006, Page C06)

Allen Blasts Webb Novels For Sex Scenes: Veteran Says Works Reflect Trauma of War (Post, October 28, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Senate Candidates: James Webb: Defiant Iraq War Foe Defined by Vietnam (Post, October 27, 2006, Page A01)

Read More About James Webb »

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

20061217 Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

Who is Virginia Senator-elect James Webb

December 17, 2007

Virginia Senator-elect James Webb (D) gives a thumbs up sign to supporters as he arrives at Bailey's Elementary School to vote. (Alex Wong -- Getty Images)

View More Photos»

New Faces

James H. Webb Jr. (D)

James Webb (D) defeated incumbent Sen. George Allen (R) by 9,329 votes.

Remark By Webb Arouses Passions: Exchange With Bush Further Polarizes Supporters, Critics (Post, December 2, 2006, Page B01)

In Following His Own Script, Webb May Test Senate's Limits (Post, November 29, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Makes It Official: Victory Is Webb's: Tally Shows Allen Lost by 9,329 Votes (Post, November 28, 2006, Page B01)

Lieberman a Wild Card in Iraq Policy: Senator Says Bipartisan Effort Is Needed for a Successful End (Post, November 13, 2006, Page A04)

Webb May Be Senate Maverick: Newest Member Expected to Take Antiwar Lead (Post, November 12, 2006, Page C01)

Democrats Take Control of Senate As Allen Concedes to Webb in Va.: Victor Vows New Approach To Iraq War (Post, November 10, 2006, Page A01)

VIRGINIA: Webb's Small Lead Holding Up As 'Senator-Elect' Starts Staffing (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A01)

For 3rd Candidate, a Moral Victory: No Way to Know How Gail Parker Affected High-Stakes Election (Post, November 9, 2006, Page A50)

Virginia Senate Race Too Close to Call: Webb Has Slim Lead but Allen Will Wait for Official Tally (Post, November 8, 2006; 12:42 PM)

VIRGINIA: Webb Has a Slim Edge Over Allen, But Recount Likely (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A01)

WHAT'S NEXT: 2 Camps Prepare for Numbers Battle (Post, November 8, 2006, Page A45)

U.S. SENATE RACE: High-Wattage Politicians Help Allen, Webb Wrap Up (Post, November 7, 2006, Page B02)

Webb: Democrats Will Take Back House, Senate (Post, November 6, 2006; 3:52 PM)

Allen and Webb Head For a Frenzied Finish: Candidates Make Last Dash to Woo Voters (Post, November 5, 2006, Page C08)

Allen and Webb Scramble To Break Voter Traditions: Military, Black Voters May Swap Loyalties (Post, November 4, 2006, Page B01)

Vitriol Fills the Air and Airwaves as Allen and Webb Battle On: Amid the Fray, Both Sides Eye Possibility of Recount (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B02)

Webb's Wife Steps Into Onstage Role, Denouncing Criticism of Va. Candidate: Hong Le Webb Denounces Criticism of Va. Candidate (Post, November 3, 2006, Page B05)

Webb and Allen Hit the Issues: With Help From Their Elders, Candidates Stay on Topic (Post, November 2, 2006, Page B05)

Vote on Senate Nears After Tumultuous Campaign: Controversies Bury the Issues In Final Months (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA20)

Gazing Deep Into the Campaign Crystal Ball (Post, November 2, 2006, Page VA23)

Allen, Webb Camps Shift Focus to Turnout: Strategies Aim to Ensure Their Backers Vote (Post, October 31, 2006, Page B05)

On Transportation, Allen and Webb Share Views: Va. Senate Candidates Seek Metro Extension, Easing of Toll Road Construction (Post, October 30, 2006, Page B01)

Webb Defends Novels Against Attacks: Allen Has Crossed a 'Line That Should Never Be Crossed,' Candidate Says (Post, October 29, 2006, Page C06)

Allen Blasts Webb Novels For Sex Scenes: Veteran Says Works Reflect Trauma of War (Post, October 28, 2006, Page A01)

Va. Senate Candidates: James Webb: Defiant Iraq War Foe Defined by Vietnam (Post, October 27, 2006, Page A01)

Read More About James Webb »

20061215 Westminster Workers reopen West Green St

Workers reopen West Green St

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDN1Yv9R-Q

December 15th, 2006

In the top picture, the first cars travel freely on West Green Street in Westminster, minutes after it was reopened early Friday evening, December 15th, 2006.

Westminster Street Department workers (LtoR) Wayne Reifsnider, Danny Schaffer, Larry Simpson and Alan Miller wrap-up the finishing touches on the crosswalk at Cover Lane and West Green Street just before the first phase of the $2.2 million project reopened December 15th, 2006 just as Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson promised.

####

20061214 CC Board of Commissioners Open Session

CC Board of Commissioners Open Session

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NITuFssHO5k

Posted December 17, 2006

I stopped by the open session portion of the Carroll County Board of Commissioners meetings last Thursday, December 14th, 2006. In the movie please see Commissioners Mike Zimmer, Julia Walsh Gouge and Dean Minnich listen as Constellation representative Mike Fowler updates the commissioners on electricity upgrades in the county.

####

Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends, neighbors, family, and loved ones.

Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish friends, neighbors, family, and loved ones.

Chanukkah

Originally retrieved Dec. 16, 2006

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/2006/12/happy-hanukkah-to-our-jewish-friends.html

Labels: Religion, Religion Jewish, Religion Jewish Hanukkah

https://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/search/label/Religion%20Jewish%20Hanukkah

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5071946

From new twists to favorite traditions, Hanukkah Lights offers stories that touch the essence of a long-standing celebration: the resurgence of Jewish religion and culture after being forbidden by the Seleucid Empire, which sought to impose Greek values.

The holiday of Hanukkah, or "dedication," stems from the rededication of the temple at Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. As the legend goes, Maccabean fighters who had defeated King Antiochus IV's supporters were left with only a day's supply of oil for the temple — but it lasted for eight days.

While it is not a major holiday — the events marked by Hanukkah took place in 165 B.C., long after the Torah was written — Hanukkah is marked by a wide range of music, the reading of psalms — and food fried in oil, commemorating what is often called a miracle of light.

Read more here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5071946

Related NPR Stories

Chanukah, or Hanukkah? Dec. 26, 2005

The Oil that Fueled the Hanukkah Miracle Dec. 25, 2005

A Hanukkah Dilemma Dec. 25, 2005

When Hanukkah Harry Met Santa Dec. 24, 2005

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From the website, “Judaism 101 found here: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm

This website is simply a must for those who care, but are just not that familiar with the religion of important friends…

On the 25th of Kislev are the days of Chanukkah, which are eight... these were appointed a Festival with Hallel [prayers of praise] and thanksgiving. -Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud

Chanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication, also known as the festival of lights, is an eight day festival beginning on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev.

Chanukkah is probably one of the best known Jewish holidays, not because of any great religious significance, but because of its proximity to Christmas.

Many non-Jews (and even many assimilated Jews!) think of this holiday as the Jewish Christmas, adopting many of the Christmas customs, such as elaborate gift-giving and decoration. It is bitterly ironic that this holiday, which has its roots in a revolution against assimilation and the suppression of Jewish religion, has become the most assimilated, secular holiday on our calendar.

The Story

The story of Chanukkah begins in the reign of Alexander the Great. Alexander conquered Syria, Egypt and Palestine, but allowed the lands under his control to continue observing their own religions and retain a certain degree of autonomy. Under this relatively benevolent rule, many Jews assimilated much of Hellenistic culture, adopting the language, the customs and the dress of the Greeks, in much the same way that Jews in America today blend into the secular American society.

More than a century later, a successor of Alexander, Antiochus IV was in control of the region. He began to oppress the Jews severely, placing a Hellenistic priest in the Temple, massacring Jews, prohibiting the practice of the Jewish religion, and desecrating the Temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs (a non-kosher animal) on the altar.

Two groups opposed Antiochus: a basically nationalistic group led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his son Judah Maccabee, and a religious traditionalist group known as the Chasidim, the forerunners of the Pharisees (no direct connection to the modern movement known as Chasidism). They joined forces in a revolt against both the assimilation of the Hellenistic Jews and oppression by the Selucid Greek government. The revolution succeeded and the Temple was rededicated.

According to tradition as recorded in the Talmud, at the time of the rededication, there was very little oil left that had not been defiled by the Greeks. Oil was needed for the menorah (candelabrum) in the Temple, which was supposed to burn throughout the night every night. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, it burned for eight days, the time needed to prepare a fresh supply of oil for the menorah. An eight day festival was declared to commemorate this miracle. Note that the holiday commemorates the miracle of the oil, not the military victory: Jews do not glorify war.

Traditions

Our rabbis taught the rule of Chanukkah: ... on the first day one [candle] is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased ... [because] we increase in sanctity but do not reduce. -Shabbat 21b, Babylonian Talmud

Chanukkah is not a very important religious holiday. The holiday's religious significance is far less than that of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Passover, and Shavu'ot. It is roughly equivalent to Purim in significance, and you won't find many non-Jews who have even heard of Purim! Chanukkah is not mentioned in Jewish scripture; the story is related in the book of Maccabbees, which Jews do not accept as scripture.

The only religious observance related to the holiday is the lighting of candles. The candles are arranged in a candelabrum called a menorah (or sometimes called a chanukkiah) that holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shammus (servant) at a different height.

On the first night, one candle is placed at the far right. The shammus candle is lit and three berakhot (blessings) are recited: l'hadlik neir (a general prayer over candles), she-asah nisim (a prayer thanking G-d for performing miracles for our ancestors at this time), and she-hekhianu (a general prayer thanking G-d for allowing us to reach this time of year).

See Chanukkah Candle Lighting Blessings for the full text of these blessings. After reciting the blessings, the first candle is then lit using the shammus candle, and the shammus candle is placed in its holder. The candles are allowed to burn out on their own after a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Each night, another candle is added from right to left (like the Hebrew language). Candles are lit from left to right (because you pay honor to the newer thing first). On the eighth night, all nine candles (the 8 Chanukkah candles and the shammus) are lit. See animation at right for the candlelighting procedure. On nights after the first, only the first two blessings are recited; the third blessing, she-hekhianu is only recited on the first night of holidays.

Why the shammus candle? The Chanukkah candles are for pleasure only; we are not allowed to use them for any productive purpose. We keep an extra one around (the shammus), so that if we need to do something useful with a candle, we don't accidentally use the Chanukkah candles. The shammus candle is at a different height so that it is easily identified as the shammus.

It is traditional to eat fried foods on Chanukkah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Among Ashkenazic Jews, this usually includes latkes (pronounced "lot-kuhs" or "lot-keys" depending on where your grandmother comes from. Pronounced "potato pancakes" if you are a goy.) My recipe is included later in this page.

Gift-giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but has been added in places where Jews have a lot of contact with Christians, as a way of dealing with our children's jealousy of their Christian friends. It is extremely unusual for Jews to give Chanukkah gifts to anyone other than their own young children. The only traditional gift of the holiday is "gelt," small amounts of money.

Another tradition of the holiday is playing dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, M&Ms or chocolate coins. The traditional explanation of this game is that during the time of Antiochus' oppression, those who wanted to study Torah (an illegal activity) would conceal their activity by playing gambling games with a top (a common and legal activity) whenever an official or inspector was within sight.

Read much-much more here: http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday7.htm

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/ or http://kevindayhoffart.com/ = http://www.kevindayhoff.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/ or http://www.westgov.net/ = www.kevindayhoff.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net Explore Carroll: www.explorecarroll.com The Tentacle: www.thetentacle.com

20061215 Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah

Chanukkah, O Chanukkah
A yontev a sheyner
A lustiger a freylicher
Nito noch azoyner
Ale nacht in dreydl shpiln mir
Zudigheyse latkes esn mir

Geshvinder tsindt kinder
Di dininke lichtelech on
Zogt "al ha-nisim," loybt G-t far di nisim
Un kumt gicher tantsn in kon

####

20061215 Happy Hanukkah message from President George W. Bush

Happy Hanukkah message from President George W. Bush

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 15, 2006

Presidential Message: Hanukkah 2006

Holidays at the White House 2006

I send greetings to all those celebrating Hanukkah, the festival of lights.

During Hanukkah, Jewish people everywhere honor the liberation of Jerusalem and the great miracle witnessed in the Holy Temple more than 2,000 years ago. After Jerusalem was conquered by an oppressive king and the Jews lost their right to worship in freedom, Judah Maccabee and his followers courageously set out to reclaim Jerusalem from foreign rule. Though their numbers were small, the Maccabees' dedication to their faith was strong, and they emerged victorious. When they returned to their Holy Temple for its rededication, the Maccabees discovered enough oil to burn for only one day. Yet the oil lit the Holy Temple for eight days, and the light of hope still shines bright in Jewish homes and synagogues throughout the world.

Each year, the glow of the menorah is a reminder of the blessings of a just and loving God and the sacrifices made over the centuries for faith and freedom. Laura and I pray that this holiday season will be a time of happiness in every home and a time of peace throughout the world.

Happy Hanukkah.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

20061215 Press briefing at 6:30 pm on train derailment

Press briefing at 6:30 pm on train derailment

Press briefing at 6:30 pm on train derailment along the Patapsco River on the Howard County and Carroll County line.

Fri 12/15/2006 4:55 PM

There will be a press briefing at 6:30 pm at the Command Center on Slacks Road, off Raincliffe Road in Sykesville to update the media on the train derailment.

Vivian D. Laxton
Administrator
Office of Public Information

20061215 Carroll Co. calling voluntary precautionary evacuation for train mishap

Carroll Co. calling voluntary precautionary evacuation for train mishap

Carroll County Government calling for a voluntary precautionary evacuation for train derailment.

Fri 12/15/2006 2:16 PM

Carroll County government has sent out an e-mail calling to the public’s attention that emergency rehabilitation crews are calling for a voluntary precautionary evacuation for train derailment.

_____

Emergency crews are going door to door within a one-mile radius of the CSX train derailment asking residents to evacuate their homes, while the tanker containing anhydrous ammonia is righted and put back on the rail.

This is a voluntary, precautionary evacuation.

A shelter has been established at the Sykesville fire hall on Route 32 for those residents. About 100 homes are affected.

Both Carroll and Howard Counties' school systems have been notified and asked that students who live in the immediate area stay at their schools.

Residents who live between one and three miles of the incident are asked to stay inside, close all windows and doors, and shut off any outside ventilation such as heat pumps and air conditioning.

Those homes will be alerted through an automated telephone message from both Howard and Carroll emergency managers. A second message will be issued when the hazard has been removed.

To reiterate earlier messages, the tanker is not leaking. The evacuations are a precautionary measure.

Another release will be issued when the hazard is removed.

Vivian D. Laxton, Administrator, Office of Public Information

####

20061215 Sykesville Fire Dept Press Release by PIO Bill Rehkopf

Sykesville Fire Dept Press Release by PIO Bill Rehkopf

Train With Hazardous Materials Derails

http://www.sykesvillefire.org/index.cfm?fs=news.newsView&News_ID=152

By Fire Sergeant/PIO Bill Rehkopf, December 15, 2006

Sykesville fire and EMS crews responded along with hazardous materials teams to a CSX train derailment near Marriottsville, Friday morning, December 15.

[…]

Units:

Sykesville Ladder 12, Engine 123, Paramedic 128

Mutual Aid:

Carroll County Haz Mat 30; Various Howard County units

Read the rest here.

20061214 Tentacle column on Tfc Eric Workman

Tentacle column on Tfc. Eric Workman

December 15^th, 2006

I have a Tentacle column up on Tfc. Eric Workman:

Time to Support A Wounded Protector, by Kevin E. Dayhoff, December 14, 2006

Maryland State Trooper First Class Eric D. Workman, 36, from the Westminster Barrack, has family traveling to Maryland from all over the country. They are staying in Baltimore while he is hospitalized at Maryland Shock Trauma Center after being shot early Tuesday morning in Woodlawn, in Baltimore County.

His brother is a Fairfax County, VA, police officer. TFC Workman is single and has no children. His father and stepmother were at the hospital Tuesday afternoon. Other family members are expected to arrive as soon as travel arrangements can be made.

Accommodations are being attended to for the family by the Maryland Trooper Association Lodge # 20 (of which this writer is a member). The Westminster "Chick-fil-A" restaurant has donated food.

TFC Workman, who is assigned to the criminal investigation section, was working with the Baltimore Warrant Fugitive Task Force executing a warrant for a suspect in a home invasion and abduction on December 7 in Eldersburg, Carroll County.

According to a Maryland State Police press release, previously Steven T. Jones, of Glen Oak, MD, was charged with 60 criminal charges in connection with the incident.

State Police Spokesman Greg Shipley reported that Mr. Jones was already under "intensive parole," had "an extensive criminal record," including drug and theft charges going back to 1986.

He was released from the Eastern Correctional Institute on the Eastern Shore in June "after serving a sentence stemming from a 1994 conviction," according to the Baltimore Sun.

[…]

The Maryland State Police, in partnership with the Maryland Troopers Association, The State Law Enforcement Labor Alliance and FOP Lodge 76, are answering the needs of TFC Workman's family. If you would like to make a donation to help TFC Workman and his family, please make a check payable to:

Maryland Troopers Association Lodge #20

TFC Eric D. Workman Family Fund

Westminster MSP Barrack G

1100 Baltimore Blvd.

Westminster, MD 21157

It is important we find ways every day to thank the troopers, firefighters and other professionals who protect our community. Today we have a very simple and direct way to say thank you to one hero and his family.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster: E-mail him at: kdayhoff@carr.org

Read the rest of the column here.

####

(MSP, Workman, Tentacle)

20061215 CC PIO will host a news conference on train derailment

CC PIO Laxton will host a news conference on train derailment

UPDATE: Friday, December 15, 2006 at 11:45 AM –Changed from 11:30 a.m. – Due to road closures related to clean up efforts, Carroll County Public Information Administrator, Vivian Laxton has moved the joint news conference to the Maryland Police Training Commission Firearms Training Facility located at 7310 Slacks Road in Sykesville, Maryland.

Carroll County Public Information Administrator, Vivian Laxton will host a joint news conference to provide updated information on the CSX Train Derailment in Sykesville, Maryland. Friday, December 15, 2006 at 11:30 AM.

10:50 AM Friday, December 15, 2006

News Release

For more information, contact: Tara Mayers,Public Media Specialist, 410-386-2973

Board of County Commissioners

Julia W. Gouge, President
Dean L. Minnich, Vice President
Michael D. Zimmer, Secretary
Carroll County Government
225 North Center Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
410-386-2043; 1-888-302-8978
fax 410-386-2485; TT 410-848-9747

For Immediate Release

Train Derailment - Carroll County to host joint News Conference

Friday, December 15, 2006 at 11:30 AM – Carroll County Public Information Administrator, Vivian Laxton will host a joint news conference at the entrance to the old Henryton Center; the intersection Henryton Road and Henryton Center Road to provide updated information on the CSX Train Derailment in Sykesville, Maryland.

# # #

20061215 The Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery

The Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery

Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin

Wreaths Across America

By Michelle Malkin · December 15, 2006 11:35 AM

The Wreaths Across America celebration was held yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery and across the country. Thousands of volunteers participated:

[…]

The Internet played a key role in spreading the word and the movement:

[…]

Thank you, Mr. Worcester, for helping us not to forget.

Gift of wreaths touches nation

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-12-14-wreaths-cover_x.htm

The balsam fir wreath was from Maine — made by hand, decorated by hand, wrapped, boxed and loaded on a truck by hand, then driven 750 miles to Arlington National Cemetery.

[…]

Every December for the past 15 years, Morrill Worcester, owner of one of the world's largest holiday wreath companies, has taken time in the midst of his busiest season to haul a truckload of wreaths to Arlington from his small Downeast Maine town of Harrington.

For years, he and a small band of volunteers laid the wreaths in virtual obscurity. But in the last 12 months that has changed, thanks to a dusting of snow last year at the cemetery, an evocative photograph, a sentimental poem and a chain e-mail. And this year, Worcester went national. A new program, "Wreaths Across America," shipped a total of about 1,300 wreaths to more than 200 national cemeteries and vets' memorials in all 50 states.

Worcester, 56, says he wants to help Americans remember and honor deceased military veterans, particularly at Christmas, when they're missed most. On the Wreaths Across America website, he makes this comment: "When people hear about what we're doing, they want to know if I'm a veteran. I'm not. But I make it my business never to forget."

Read the rest here.

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20061215 A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and Politics Hon

A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and Politics Hon

A Big Thank you goes out to Mr. W. Crodhil and “Politics Hon” for his support of TFC. Eric Workman.

Help Wounded Trooper

http://politicshon.com/phb/

http://politicshon.com/phb/?p=148

W. Crodhil presents Politics Hon

December 14^th, 2006

by W. Crodhil, E.I.C. @ 9:23 am. Filed under Local, Maryland

Wounded State Trooper Tfc. Eric Workman is still in critical condition. He was shot while trying to capture a criminal.

If you would like to make a donation to help Tfc Workman’s family please make a check payable to:

Maryland Troopers Association Lodge #20
Tfc. Eric D. Workman Family Fund
Westminster MSP Barrack G
1100 Baltimore Blvd.
Westminster, MD 21157

Fellow MBA member Kevin Dayhoff has all the info. Please help. Thank you.

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20061215 Train derails along Patapsco River

Train derails along Patapsco River on Howard and Carroll County line.

by Kevin Dayhoff 7:15 AM Friday, December 15th, 2006

At 2:15 AM, Carroll County, Howard County, Maryland Department of the Environment, and CSX Railroad Hazmat personnel responded to the scene of a CSX freight train derailment.

The voice traffic on the emergency response radio indicated that the train which was comprised of three locomotives and 91 cars was traveling from Cumberland to Philadelphia.

At last report 21 train cars jumped the tracks in a remote area along the Patapsco River in the Patapsco Valley State Park between Sykesville and Marriottsville in the vicinity of Henryton Road the old Henryton hospital.

Communications were difficult as it was in an area where there is no Nextel service, the communications carrier used by many local public safety agencies. Radio and cell phone reception with other carriers was also difficult.

Access to the remote area was difficult and getting to the site of the derailment was delayed until all-terrain “gators,” were brought to the site.

Hazmat personnel finally reached the scene of the derailment at approximately 5:55 AM to find that train cars #27, #28 and #29 were of the most concern and that train car #29 had tipped over. One or several of the train cars are transporting anhydrous (without water) ammonia.

The train cars were not leaking and causing “no issues,” and there is no “immediate concern at this time;” however it would appear that it will be an extended rehabilitation of the train cars involved.

According to Carroll County public information officer, Vivian Laxton, who arrived at the scene 6 PM, there are no reported injuries.

The hazmat response went like clockwork. However the news crews that responded did not have as much luck as mobile news units from ABC2, WBAL and WJZ all got stuck in the mud.

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20061213 CC 1995 Miss 4-H takes on another leadership position

Carroll County 1995 Miss 4-H takes on another leadership position

Pictured above is Miss 4-H, Amanda Boyd Miller in 1995 when she was the 4-H ambassador and spokesperson in 1995.

Meanwhile, Heidi Schroeder writing for the Westminster Eagle and Eldersburg Eagle has an excellent article in the Eldersburg Eagle about Carroll County’s 1995 Miss 4-H taking on yet another leadership position, “Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming.”

The Eldersburg Eagle and Westminster Eagle’s hyperlink changes when it is archived. So if you are reading this post at a later date and the link is dead, e-mail me or put a note in “comment” and I will paste the entire article into this post.

Also keep in mind that the Westminster Eagle will run the piece next Wednesday, December 20th, 2006.

For right now, go here for Ms. Schroeder’s article, “Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming.”

http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=977&NewsID=769115&CategoryID=17330&on=1

“Trip from Annapolis to Carroll is a homecoming” By Heidi Schroeder, Westminster and Eldersburg Eagle, 12/13/06

After nearly seven years working in Annapolis, Amanda Miller's new job is more of a homecoming than an experiment.

Miller, 27, a sixth-generation Carroll Countian and resident of Sykesville, was named this month as special assistant to newly-elected County Commissioner Michael Zimmer.

Miller previously served the state as a special assistant on policy to Joe Getty, who served on Gov. Robert Ehrlich's staff.

But when the election brought a changing of the guard in both Annapolis and Carroll County, a new opportunity emerged for Miller, who said she's excited to bring experience in state politics to Westminster.

[…]

… Miller bought her grandmother's home, which her grandfather had built in Sykesville in 1958.

[…]

Read the rest here.

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20061214 Eldersburg Today

Eldersburg Today

December 14th, 2006

Please join me in welcoming another blog to Carroll County: “Eldersburg Today” - from farms to suburbia. A discussion of topics focused on the Eldersburg area.

Go check it out.

To the best of my knowledge, there are now three Blogs in Carroll County for news, opinion and conversation about things that matter in Carroll County.

In addition to this blog and Eldersburg Today, the other blog is “The New Windsor Word.”

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20061214 Wounded trooper improving by Ari Natter

Wounded trooper improving by Ari Natter

December 14th, 2006

Ari Natter, writing for the Carroll County Times has some additional information on Westminster Barrack G’s Tfc. Eric D. Workman, who was shot in the line of duty last Tuesday morning.

Before Mr. Natter came to the Carroll County Times, he was a cop and courts reporter for the Cecil Whig, where he was a Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association 2005 Editorial Contest Winner in Division C: Dailies under 30,000. He co-wrote an article with Cheryl Mattix, “Just Can’t Wait - Gamers Line up for Xbox 360”

He also seems to either like duckpin bowling or likes to write about duckpin bowling…

Unfortunately, the Carroll County Times does not use permalinks, so if you are reading this at a later date and the link is dead, drop me an e-mail or comment and I’ll paste his article into this post.

For right now, please go here to read his article.

Wounded trooper improving

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2006/12/14/news/local_news/newsstory2.txt


By Ari Natter, Times Staff Writer

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Support for state policeman pours in

Fellow police officers, family members and friends are turning out to support trooper Eric Workman, who despite remaining in critical but stable condition is reported to be slowly improving after being wounded in a shootout early Tuesday morning.

Read the rest here.

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